Unmarked highly polished steel blade with wire-bound celluloid grip. The lion's head pommel, D-guard and hinged cross guard are heavily gilded, a high relief fouled anchor and the number N784 are on the right and left cross guards respectively. The sword retains its original gold and silver bullion portepee terminating in an acorn motif. The leather scabbard has gilt brass mountings and is affixed with a twisted black leather cord and brass sword hanger. Included is the sword's original wool-lined linen storage bag.

LOA 35.5 on.; Blade 29.25 in.

Private Collection, Knoxville, Tennessee

This sword was "liberated" from a Nazi's Berchtesgaden vacation home in May, 1945 by a Bronze Star recipient serving with the 171st Engineer Combat Battalion. Allegedly the trophy was hanging by a portrait of Admiral Erich Raeder. This ensemble is quite rare today in that all of its original elements are present.

Light, localized rusting to the blade; gilt remains bright and full; some crazing to the leather; minimal mothing to the wool. Overall very high grade.

$900 - 1,200